Blog Post Title One
The Layers of Quality in Remodeling and Tile Installation
What is quality when it comes to tile installation and remodeling? There are so many variables that determine whether a project is just acceptable or truly exceptional. Here’s a breakdown of the four key areas that define quality craftsmanship in my book:
Quality of Materials Used – From the type of tile selected to the grout and adhesives, using top-tier materials ensures longevity, and is my form of personal insurance. Should you take the cheaper route and buy cheap at Home Depot? Or should I use my contractor pricing at local supply chains, to get quality materials at home depot pricing? Our dear friends at Contract Furnishing Mart ( CFM ) provide the best customer service one could ask for, and widest variety of material when it comes to tile, flooring, LVP, marble, quartz, you name the material, name the color, they WILL get it for you.
Quality of Prep Work and Waterproofing – Proper surface preparation and waterproofing techniques prevent leaks, mold, and premature deterioration. Newsflash: If you prep out a floor to be level, chances are, your tile or hardwood floor will be level! It’s a shock to me how many people will fly straight to installation and not put love into the prep. Just about all cracks that appear in tiles, grout, and caulking are the result of bad prep, and improper underlayment. Service calls to “just fix the grout” are issues much deeper in the unseen.
Quality of Tile Installation Itself – Now comes the visible aspect, Precision in tile placement, cutting, even spacing, and meticulous work make a significant difference in appearance. It’s not too hard to make a project look good in pictures. after all you’ve heard the saying “do your best, and caulk the rest.”
Quality of Finishes and Final Touches – Proper choices when it comes to finishes, Are the colors timeless or will they go out of style next year? Are the trims durable or will there be wear & tear in a short while? Is grout mixed properly and quality, or will it discolor in a little bit? Is the grout flush with the tile or are there pinholes for moisture to sit in? Is proper sealing applied? Each material required a different type of sealant. Get yourself somebody who can answer these questions. This is what elevates the final result from good to outstanding.
Each of these areas contains multiple variables, from the expertise of the installer to the environment where the tile flooring or shower design is being implemented. The difference between a decent job and an exceptional one lies in mastering all these layers.
Mathematically speaking, when considering four different variables as we just listed, the number of possible combinations of results can range from 200 to 5,000! That’s how many factors and variables come into play when making decisions during remodeling and laying of tile. Will your contractor ensure that all 500 crucial details are executed correctly, or just a few? It's quite frankly pretty easy to make a remodel look good from the outside when taking pictures, but do you have an understanding of what's going on behind the scenes? Are leaks prevented in entirety? For a 100-square-foot shower using 3x12-inch tiles, you would need approximately 400 tiles. If using 12x24-inch tiles, you would need around 50 tiles. Will all 400 tiles be cut and installed with care? Or will a few be done properly, and the rest will be slapped together for quick turnaround, and no longevity? Most cracks are the result of improper underlayment, when has your contractor ever showed you photos of their prep work? Something to think about.
I hope this gives you a proper insight on what we’re dealing with, and I'll end off with this quote :)
The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.
Meet Pine State Contracting & Tile Northwest – Bathroom & Kitchen Remodeling Experts
Pine State Contracting Northwest is not your average contractor. They’re a premier remodeling company, this family-owned team is fully licensed, insured, and bonded, giving you peace of mind that your home is in qualified hands. Their reputation speaks for itself – Pine State boasts outstanding 5-star customer reviews praising their exceptional craftsmanship and professionalism . As a local company proudly serving the Multnomah County, and Clark County areas, they understand the unique conditions of our community’s homes and have the expertise to transform spaces into stunning environments while preserving the character of your home.
Pine State is a full-service contractor with the skills to fix the problem and restore the beauty of your home. From carpentry and concrete work, to finishing touches like cabinetry and tile. If a leak is taking place in your bathroom, Pine State can not only stop the leak but also rebuild that bathroom. Whatever it takes to get your home back to safe, solid, and stunning, Pine State will manage every detail .
Preventative Maintenance that can SAVE You Money:
Pine State Contracting believes prevention is the best cure. A thorough inspection and minor repair today can spare you an enormous headache (and expense) tomorrow. Consider this: if caught early, a simple repair might cost only a few hundred dollars, but if left unchecked until it causes serious issues down to the structural integrity of your home, the repair could run to hundreds of thousand dollars or more.
By acting now with Pine State’s help, you’ll protect your investment and avoid the domino effect of damage that drives up costs. Pine State even offers routine maintenance services (like expert re-caulking of tiles and flooring to prevent water intrusion) to keep your home in top shape year-round. It’s all about giving homeowners peace of mind that their house will stand strong for decades.
Turning a Crisis into a Transformation
Just because you need a repair doesn’t mean you can’t end up with something better than you started with. Every project is an opportunity to enhance your home’s safety and its beauty and value. Did your foundation troubles force you to tear out an old floor or wall? Pine State can turn that setback into a stunning upgrade.
After fixing structural issues, Pine State can completely transform your living spaces. For example, they converted THIS drab basement into a modern, ADA-compliant bathroom with a double-sink vanity, freestanding tub, and curbless walk-in shower . Every detail—from the sleek tilework to the custom wood cabinetry—reflects the master craftsmanship they're known for. Your “repair” project could evolve into the dream remodel you’ve always wanted, all handled by one experienced team.
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Your home is likely your biggest investment. Don’t wait until that tiny crack becomes a giant problem. Now is the time to take action. Pine State is offering homeowners a FREE APPOINTMENT.
If everything looks good, you gain peace of mind. If there are issues, you’ll get a clear plan and a free quote for how Pine State can fix it .
Every day you wait is an extra day that an issue could grow. Get ahead of it NOW – Click HERE to Contact Us Today!